Mixed Breed vs. Purebred, and Rescue vs. Purchase

an act or instance of taking something to be true or adopting a particular attitude toward something, especially at the start of a chain of argument or action.

DON’T HATE ME BECAUSE I’M BEAUTIFUL!!!

The handsome poodle in this photo is, in fact, purebred and yes, he is groomed to perfection. A show dog one might think. Kramer – the purebred poodle is a stunning, friendly dog albeit timid at times. He was going to be a breeding dog. The breeder decided that due to his disposition this was not to be his future, and she found a good home for him. Kramer’s mama is a groomer and his role as a model for her incredible talent suits him perfectly. Kramer greets Henry and Reese when they arrive at the salon for their appointments and the opportunity to socialize is great for both Kramer and Reese, who is also very timid.

My point is this; looking at Kramer, you might not, at first glance think he is a ‘rescue.’ In my experience and through much research and interaction with dog owners over the years, I have witnessed a great divide and often prejudice. Breeders and owners of purebred dogs versus rescue parents, parents of Heinz 57’s and even some rescue workers.

Let’s face it there is something that draws us to our companions whether they are a mix from a rescue organization or a purebred from a rescue organization or a breeder. Some of us have a ‘type.’ Although I care about the wellbeing of all animals, I go gaga for curly, or wavy coated dogs that are small to medium in size as well as the temperament of the dog. Others are drawn to the temperament alone – often a trait of the dog’s breed, or the combination of breeds.

To some, going through a reputable breeder means having a history of their dog’s health for, in some cases, several generations. It also means the opportunity to train a dog from puppyhood, hopefully ruling out behavior issues and establishing good manners. Some people rely on the support and guidance from the breeder regarding their new family member.

This doesn’t mean there won’t be issues; no one can predict a traumatic event that may alter behavior. Nor can they rule out the possibility of cancer or other first-time health concern regardless of lineage. I would say there is no guarantee, and for the dogs, that may be true. For the people who purchase from a breeder, it is often agreed that if there is an issue with the dog, the breeder will provide a ‘replacement’ or refund. The purchasers may return the dog to the breeder.

My opinion: when people make a commitment to become a pet owner, they should do so with the mindset they will care for their companion no matter what cards they are dealt. Henry and Reese both had health issues when we rescued them. Reese was older and required rehabilitation for the trauma of life after a puppy mill. With the exception of a few additional upsets along the way, we knew from the beginning what we were signing up for.

Purebred vs. Rescue, Purebred vs. mixed breeds. In the words of Rudyard Kipling, “never the twain shall meet.” That, however, is not the case. My husband has always admired the Portuguese Water Dog breed and would love to have one join our pack. I admit, years ago, I ‘assumed’ the only way to acquire one of these purebred dogs was from a breeder. I informed my husband that we would never have a PWD, our pack would consist of rescues only. I was ignorant to presume Portuguese Water Dogs or other purebred dogs may never find themselves in the situation of needing to be rehomed.

Some rescue organizations, although affiliated with a specific breed, will often provide care and work to find loving homes for mixes of the breeds they represent as well as purebred dogs. Boston Terrier Rescue Canada, Golden Rescue, and Standard Poodles In Need are wonderful examples of such organizations.

From Bernice McNutt, President of Standard Poodles In Need Rescue, and Rehome:

‘Purchasing from a great breeder isn’t a bad thing at all! Lack of research and impatience is definitely an issue. It allows the disreputable breeders to continue producing puppies purely for profit.

When you see a purebred dog, don’t be too quick to judge. The fact that their owner selected a purebred dog is not the reason a shelter dog is put to sleep. Also, when you see a mixed breed or special needs dog, don’t dismiss them as being of lesser quality. Each dog is unique, every one is special!

My opinion – again;

Overpopulation, the reason shelters and rescue organizations are inundated with pets, is mostly due to disreputable breeders and irresponsible pet owners. I say ‘mostly’ because unfortunately things do happen, and even some of the most loved and well cared for companions find themselves at the door of a shelter. PLEASE write your wills and plan for the unknown. Sorry, I digress.

Sierra, a purebred Duck Tolling Retriever is a show dog, competing in agility trials. Sierra also spends a great deal of her time in the hospital – for people, as a therapy dog. Also, Sierra is a member of the St. John Ambulance Paws 4 Stories program. This program enhances children’s reading skills. Like hundreds of owners of purebred dogs (from reputable breeders), Sierra’s mom contributes generously and supports various rescue organizations and therapy programs.

Instead of judging the quality of the dog or how it was acquired, we should rally together to abolish disreputable breeders. This includes backyard breeders and puppy mills. We should focus our efforts on cruelty and inhumane treatment of all animals, supporting diligence, protection and enforcing harsh penalties for neglect and abuse. My disapproval does not lie with the owner of a purebred dog for making that choice. My disapproval is with a breeder who does not provide care and adequate accommodation for his dogs, or the owner or carer who leaves dogs in vehicles on a hot day.

I also disapprove of organizations (or, brokers and millers posing as a rescue), regardless of a breed; that will take your cash and very few details by way of an application. To me, that is highly suspicious not to mention irresponsible. Most reputable rescue organizations want a full application, including references, ensuring the dogs entrusted to them will be well cared for and safe.

Rescue sites, shelters and rescue organizations are flooded with purebred companions in need of loving homes. If you admire a certain breed and are open to providing a loving, forever home to an animal in need, please consider adoption. If you want to purchase a purebred dog from a breeder, please ensure they are reputable. If you have suspicions about a breeder, please report these to the authorities. And regardless of where an animal companion comes from, please be vigilant and consider their welfare when out in the community. I have animal control and my local police on speed dial!

‘ENVY’ was to be June’s subject, however, it seems appropriate to share this post today. Across the Country, we are celebrating Canada Day. Canada is a diverse country; it’s people made up of many nationalities and beliefs. Our choice, of breed or background of companion equally varied. ‘Happy Canada Day!’

Thank you, Candice of Groomingdales, Pet Valu – Sutton, Ontario, and the very handsome Kramer for participating in this photo shoot.

Thank you again to Gillian Woods for collaborating with me on The Awareness Project.

Comments

I agree that one cannot assume that a pure breed dog is a purchase, but I disagree that a breeder rehoming a dog is the equivalent of rescue. Neither do I think that adopting from a rescue is the equivalent of rescue. To me, one rescues a dog or cat when one actually takes the animal in from a horrific situation, such as off the street or in a bad home. To take an unwanted dog off a breeder’s hands simply frees the breeder up to keep doing what he or she’s been doing all along-making money off the backs of animals. And while it is commendable to adopt from a rescue, it was the people who work for or volunteer with the rescue group that did the actual rescuing. You adopted from them, and that in turn frees them up to rescue yet another animal.

Semantics? Yes. But if we looked at it in this way, it might put a stop to some of this holier-than-thou attitudes that you are railing against (and I agree are not at all helpful).RUMPY recently posted…Interview Questions- What I REALLY Want to Say

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. I did realize this post might launch a bit of a debate. I agree there is a huge difference between rehoming a dog (or cat), and rescuing one that has been abandoned, neglected or abused. One would hope that as a ‘reputable’ breeder there would not be an alternative to rehoming (retiring) their animals. Unfortunately, we know with Puppy Mills and disreputable breeders there IS an alternative method and it is inhumane. Kramer might have been taken to a shelter if a home wasn’t offered.

It would be nice to press a ‘pause’ button and find forever homes for dogs like ours that come from unthinkable backgrounds first. I hope people that are thinking of adding to their furry family might consider searching Petfinder or other rescue sites first. Perhaps the purebreds we see out walking WERE found on Petfinder. I’m just saying we can’t assume that they aren’t, and that their owners don’t support rescue – even though they aren’t rescue parents. It’s about the animals. Baby steps I guess.

I loved this post, you made great points! The two things I like best were that you pointed out there’s basically a rescue for every breed of dog, many of which will be purebreds, so you can get a purebred dog and still adopt. The other was when you said “…the reason shelters and rescue organizations are inundated with pets, is mostly due to disreputable breeders and irresponsible pet owners” That is SO true. The solution to overcrowded shelters isn’t just more & more adoption, it’s working to prevent so many animals from entering shelters to begin with. I think we need more education of the general public and of dog owners. I have 1 purebred and 1 mixed breed dog, both equally fantastic. Thanks for a great post!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv ThemCathy armato recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Dog Explorer

loved this entire post, but couldn’t agree with THIS more! “When you see a purebred dog, don’t be too quick to judge. The fact that their owner selected a purebred dog is not the reason a shelter dog is put to sleep. Also, when you see a mixed breed or special needs dog, don’t dismiss them as being of lesser quality. Each dog is unique, every one is special!”Caren Gittleman recently posted…Lindy & Company Gourmet Pet Treats Winners!!

I agree, do not assume a purebreed dog is not a rescue. I’m a mom to 2 Yorkies (my first dogs from a breeder) and have learned that a heartbreaking number of them end up in shelters and rescues. The reasons include: they can be difficult to potty train, can have costly health problems, they grew “too big”, and they are often not the docile lap dogs that some people assume they would be.

Thank you Kristin. That is interesting information about the breed and also good points about breeder vs. rescue. I mentioned in the post that my husband and I ‘knew what we were signing up for’ when we adopted our guys. I guess that’s the good thing about rescuing an adult companion.

I have mutts and my parents have mini schnauzers. You would think that they come from breeders, but one was found in the woods all alone as a puppy and the other was bought from a lady who couldn’t care for her anymore. So you never know until you ask!Abby Chesnut recently posted…Review: DOG for DOG Products #Sponsored

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

twitter (@username)

Hello!

We’re Sadie & Co. (her and her dogs plus the cat). Would you like to share your rescue story or tell us about an amazing service or product? We’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for visiting, we hope you’ll stop by often. Better yet, subscribe and don’t miss out on the latest and greatest tips, tricks and treats!